WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:10.600 Makers of better things for better living through chemistry, presents the cavalcade 00:10.600 --> 00:11.600 of America. 00:11.600 --> 00:14.560 Our story, a medal for Miss Walker. 00:14.560 --> 00:19.560 Our star, Dorothy McGuire. 00:19.560 --> 00:38.400 The city of Washington in the war year of 1862 was a military camp. 00:38.400 --> 00:43.800 Its stately buildings transformed for the most part into temporary barracks and hospitals. 00:43.800 --> 00:49.640 On the streets of the city moving slowly, unsteadily, were the men returning from battle. 00:49.640 --> 00:55.080 They would pause for a moment at a street corner, lean against an iron railing, sit 00:55.080 --> 01:01.440 on a curbstone, or they'd be carried into the hospitals. 01:01.440 --> 01:04.240 Our story begins in one of these hospitals. 01:04.240 --> 01:06.760 It was called Indiana Hospital. 01:06.760 --> 01:09.280 You men against the wall, you'll have to move, I'm sorry. 01:09.280 --> 01:14.000 Excuse me, please, can you tell me where I... 01:14.000 --> 01:15.800 No women allowed here, ma'am, you'll have to get out. 01:15.800 --> 01:17.160 I want to see Dr. Green. 01:17.160 --> 01:18.160 He's operating, ma'am. 01:18.160 --> 01:19.160 Where is the operating room? 01:19.160 --> 01:20.160 Last one at the end of the corridor. 01:20.160 --> 01:21.160 Thank you. 01:21.160 --> 01:22.160 Oh, wait, now you come back here. 01:22.160 --> 01:23.160 Do you hear me? 01:23.160 --> 01:24.160 You come back here. 01:24.160 --> 01:25.160 I'm sorry, I must get by. 01:25.160 --> 01:26.160 Good luck, lady, will you? 01:26.160 --> 01:27.160 I'm sorry. 01:27.160 --> 01:28.160 Just let me pass by, please. 01:28.160 --> 01:29.160 Thanks. 01:29.160 --> 01:30.160 Is that you, corporal? 01:30.160 --> 01:31.160 Bring in the next patient. 01:31.160 --> 01:32.160 I don't know how it... 01:32.160 --> 01:41.920 What the devil are you doing here? 01:41.920 --> 01:42.920 Dr. Green? 01:42.920 --> 01:43.920 Get out of here. 01:43.920 --> 01:46.840 I have a letter to you from Dr. Billings of Syracuse. 01:46.840 --> 01:49.400 I am not interested in any letters. 01:49.400 --> 01:52.440 Landsakes, can't you see what's going on here? 01:52.440 --> 01:57.240 Myself, no one else but me and all these men, broken, bleeding. 01:57.240 --> 01:58.640 And you ramble in here with a letter. 01:58.640 --> 02:00.440 Do you have another apron? 02:00.440 --> 02:01.440 An apron? 02:01.440 --> 02:04.760 Dr. Green, to save time, I'll be very explicit. 02:04.760 --> 02:06.240 My name is Mary Walker. 02:06.240 --> 02:08.120 I'm a duly qualified physician. 02:08.120 --> 02:09.120 I want to help you. 02:09.120 --> 02:10.120 A woman, doctor? 02:10.120 --> 02:12.120 Yes, does that shock you? 02:12.120 --> 02:13.120 No. 02:13.120 --> 02:14.120 Displeased you? 02:14.120 --> 02:15.120 I know. 02:15.120 --> 02:18.120 Well, then, let's not waste any more time. 02:18.120 --> 02:19.120 Orderly. 02:19.120 --> 02:20.120 Yes, ma'am? 02:20.120 --> 02:21.120 Bring in the next patient. 02:21.120 --> 02:34.240 Wake up, Dr. Green. 02:34.240 --> 02:38.080 Wake up. 02:38.080 --> 02:43.280 Oh, who is it? 02:43.280 --> 02:46.280 It's four in the morning. 02:46.280 --> 02:47.280 Four? 02:47.280 --> 02:50.800 You were so exhausted, I just didn't have the heart to wake you. 02:50.800 --> 02:52.480 There were a dozen patients that I... 02:52.480 --> 02:54.760 Oh, I've taken care of them. 02:54.760 --> 02:55.760 Thank you. 02:55.760 --> 02:57.720 How, how did you make out? 02:57.720 --> 02:58.720 Oh, I don't know. 02:58.720 --> 02:59.720 I did what I could. 02:59.720 --> 03:01.320 I think they'll be all right. 03:01.320 --> 03:03.560 Here, I've got some coffee for you. 03:03.560 --> 03:04.960 Thank you. 03:04.960 --> 03:08.320 Tell me something, miss, I mean doctor. 03:08.320 --> 03:09.320 Yes? 03:09.320 --> 03:13.360 Are you real or are you an angel in disguise? 03:13.360 --> 03:16.160 Guaranteed, blood and flesh. 03:16.160 --> 03:17.160 Too bad. 03:17.160 --> 03:18.160 Too bad? 03:18.160 --> 03:19.160 Yes. 03:19.160 --> 03:24.280 I was hoping that you were made of some less earthy material so that I could summon you 03:24.280 --> 03:27.840 whenever I'm tired. 03:27.840 --> 03:30.440 I am very, very tired. 03:30.440 --> 03:34.440 Dr. Green, I want to work here with you. 03:34.440 --> 03:35.440 Why? 03:35.440 --> 03:36.440 You need help. 03:36.440 --> 03:38.400 But this is no place for a woman. 03:38.400 --> 03:41.160 Oh, don't ever say that to me again, Dr. Green. 03:41.160 --> 03:44.480 It's the one thing that, that revolts me to the point of nausea. 03:44.480 --> 03:46.080 Why isn't this a place for a woman? 03:46.080 --> 03:49.600 Does a wound fester because a female applied a dressing? 03:49.600 --> 03:51.360 What are we, pariahs, play carriers? 03:51.360 --> 03:52.880 No, no, of course not. 03:52.880 --> 03:55.600 You saw me work at the operating table all evening. 03:55.600 --> 03:56.600 Did I do well? 03:56.600 --> 03:59.520 You were magnificent. 03:59.520 --> 04:04.120 Would you say that in a note to Surgeon General Finley? 04:04.120 --> 04:05.120 Yes. 04:05.120 --> 04:07.840 Then do it for me. 04:07.840 --> 04:09.920 I'm going to see him this afternoon. 04:09.920 --> 04:11.840 You expect to get a commission? 04:11.840 --> 04:12.840 I do. 04:12.840 --> 04:18.800 I'll write you your letter of recommendation, Dr. Walker, but you'll never get a commission. 04:18.800 --> 04:19.800 Why? 04:19.800 --> 04:21.880 As a doctor, you can fight death. 04:21.880 --> 04:22.880 You can fight disease. 04:22.880 --> 04:26.960 But the one thing you can't fight is stupidity. 04:26.960 --> 04:28.760 And that's what you're bucking. 04:28.760 --> 04:29.760 Prejudice. 04:29.760 --> 04:31.480 The meanest form of stupidity. 04:31.480 --> 04:45.080 It's quite impossible, Dr. Walker. 04:45.080 --> 04:47.320 A woman doctor in the medical department. 04:47.320 --> 04:48.880 Fantastic idea. 04:48.880 --> 04:52.320 Why, General Finley, why is it so fantastic? 04:52.320 --> 04:53.320 Because... 04:53.320 --> 04:55.360 Oh, now, madam, doctor, you must realize... 04:55.360 --> 04:57.200 I realize only one thing. 04:57.200 --> 05:00.160 Our soldiers are desperately in need of medical care. 05:00.160 --> 05:01.160 I'm qualified. 05:01.160 --> 05:02.600 It's a preposterous idea. 05:02.600 --> 05:06.680 Whether men themselves would stay in the fields and die rather than be treated by a woman. 05:06.680 --> 05:08.040 You don't know that to be true. 05:08.040 --> 05:09.680 I'm very busy, Dr. Walker. 05:09.680 --> 05:11.160 You'll have to excuse me. 05:11.160 --> 05:13.320 Then you won't appoint me. 05:13.320 --> 05:14.640 I will not. 05:14.640 --> 05:16.680 All right, General. 05:16.680 --> 05:31.960 Should you change your mind, you can reach me at the Indiana Hospital. 05:31.960 --> 05:39.680 Now, Billy, it may hurt just a little, but I do have to change this dressing. 05:39.680 --> 05:41.840 You've got the prettiest hair. 05:41.840 --> 05:42.840 Have I now? 05:42.840 --> 05:44.840 Like, like satin it is. 05:44.840 --> 05:45.840 Now, hold still. 05:45.840 --> 05:46.840 May I touch it, ma'am? 05:46.840 --> 05:47.840 Oh, if you'd like to. 05:47.840 --> 05:48.840 You've been around, ma'am. 05:48.840 --> 05:56.840 It brings to mind a fact a soldier soon forgets that there's goodness in the world and things 05:56.840 --> 05:57.840 are beauty. 05:57.840 --> 05:58.840 There. 05:58.840 --> 06:01.840 Now, does that feel more comfortable? 06:01.840 --> 06:04.120 Hardly so. 06:04.120 --> 06:06.120 Why are you here, ma'am? 06:06.120 --> 06:07.120 Why? 06:07.120 --> 06:08.120 I'm a doctor. 06:08.120 --> 06:10.680 Yes, ma'am, you're a doctor. 06:10.680 --> 06:15.360 But up in the cities with the fashionable women, I reckon you might do real well. 06:15.360 --> 06:17.280 My place is where I'm most needed. 06:17.280 --> 06:21.160 Billy, we're all put down on earth to do our little job. 06:21.160 --> 06:28.800 And if we're true to ourselves, we don't seek reward so much as we seek inner satisfaction. 06:28.800 --> 06:33.120 Out in the battlefield, when you took up the charge, were medals on your mind? 06:33.120 --> 06:36.000 No, ma'am, it was what I had to do. 06:36.000 --> 06:39.520 Well, that's why I'm here, Billy. 06:39.520 --> 06:41.520 My reason is the same as yours. 06:41.520 --> 06:44.520 It's just what I have to do. 06:44.520 --> 06:57.400 Get that woman in here directly, Dr. Green. 06:57.400 --> 06:59.200 Very well, General Finlay. 06:59.200 --> 07:00.200 Corporal. 07:00.200 --> 07:01.200 Sir. 07:01.200 --> 07:03.000 Have Dr. Walker come to my office. 07:03.000 --> 07:04.000 Yes, sir. 07:04.000 --> 07:07.840 I place the blame for this incredible situation directly with you, Dr. Green. 07:07.840 --> 07:10.640 If you turned her out at the beginning, this would never have happened. 07:10.640 --> 07:13.240 She's done tremendous service in this hospital. 07:13.240 --> 07:17.680 I can't describe how she's worked tirelessly, and the men worship her. 07:17.680 --> 07:18.680 How ridiculous. 07:18.680 --> 07:22.840 She may be a woman, but she's done a man's work. 07:22.840 --> 07:23.840 Come in. 07:23.840 --> 07:26.760 You sent for me, Dr. Green? 07:26.760 --> 07:27.760 Come in, Dr. Walker. 07:27.760 --> 07:28.760 Oh, General Finlay. 07:28.760 --> 07:29.760 Dr. Walker. 07:29.760 --> 07:30.760 How do you do, sir? 07:30.760 --> 07:31.760 Not very well. 07:31.760 --> 07:39.880 Madam, there are a few things in the world so calculated to inflame a man's temper as 07:39.880 --> 07:42.480 presumptuous behavior by a person of inferior rank. 07:42.480 --> 07:45.400 I wasn't aware that I held any rank, General Finlay. 07:45.400 --> 07:48.320 And more to the point, I don't know what you're talking about. 07:48.320 --> 07:50.480 I'm talking about this letter. 07:50.480 --> 07:53.480 Did you write this letter to President Lincoln, madam? 07:53.480 --> 07:54.480 Yes. 07:54.480 --> 07:55.480 You took great liberties. 07:55.480 --> 07:56.900 I don't think so. 07:56.900 --> 08:00.800 When you denied my request for a commission, you gave me no alternative but to repeat my 08:00.800 --> 08:03.040 request to your commander in chief. 08:03.040 --> 08:07.480 What did Mr. Lincoln say to my request? 08:07.480 --> 08:09.480 He penciled it on the letter. 08:09.480 --> 08:12.920 Here, read it for yourself. 08:12.920 --> 08:15.280 I am willing, eh, Lincoln? 08:15.280 --> 08:16.280 Well? 08:16.280 --> 08:17.280 Well what, Dr. Green? 08:17.280 --> 08:18.280 Nothing, just well. 08:18.280 --> 08:22.280 All right, young lady, I'll give you an appointment. 08:22.280 --> 08:23.640 Oh, that's wonderful, General. 08:23.640 --> 08:27.120 But I will not give you an appointment to the regular medical corps. 08:27.120 --> 08:30.200 Nothing in Mr. Lincoln's endorsement orders me to do that. 08:30.200 --> 08:34.680 I will appoint you a contract surgeon, however, with no official military rank. 08:34.680 --> 08:35.680 Is that understood? 08:35.680 --> 08:36.680 I accept the appointment. 08:36.680 --> 08:37.680 Very well. 08:37.680 --> 08:40.360 I'm sending you to the Western Department to Chattanooga. 08:40.360 --> 08:43.920 Dr. Green tells me you enjoy doing a man's job. 08:43.920 --> 08:44.920 Very well. 08:44.920 --> 08:48.880 You're going to get a firsthand view of a man's war. 08:48.880 --> 08:51.040 Good day. 08:51.040 --> 08:54.280 Are you going to accept? 08:54.280 --> 08:57.080 This is not what you really wanted, is it, Mary? 08:57.080 --> 09:01.480 Well, what I want is a full commission and the chance to prove that a woman has a right 09:01.480 --> 09:02.480 to earn one. 09:02.480 --> 09:05.600 Oh, well, this is a step in the right direction. 09:05.600 --> 09:08.440 I'm going to miss you here. 09:08.440 --> 09:12.360 You've been very wonderful to me, Dr. Green. 09:12.360 --> 09:18.120 Mary, all this time you haven't accepted a penny from the government, from me. 09:18.120 --> 09:20.920 You're going to need some financial assistance. 09:20.920 --> 09:21.920 I don't have much. 09:21.920 --> 09:23.400 No, no, thank you. 09:23.400 --> 09:25.120 I couldn't take anything like that. 09:25.120 --> 09:28.480 Oh, but there is just one thing you can do for me. 09:28.480 --> 09:29.600 What is it? 09:29.600 --> 09:33.100 You can let me have your old uniform, the one you said you were going to throw away because 09:33.100 --> 09:34.360 it was so worn. 09:34.360 --> 09:35.360 Let me have that. 09:35.360 --> 09:36.360 My uniform? 09:36.360 --> 09:37.360 Yes. 09:37.360 --> 09:39.120 Well, now, what would you do with that? 09:39.120 --> 09:40.120 Wear it. 09:40.120 --> 09:44.400 Perhaps General Finley can prevent my getting a commission. 09:44.400 --> 09:48.080 But if I'm going to the front, I want to go in uniform. 09:48.080 --> 09:53.760 I want to be properly dressed for the occasion. 09:53.760 --> 10:08.920 Dr. Walker, two more ambulances just arrived with more wounded. 10:08.920 --> 10:10.960 And every minute more are coming in on foot. 10:10.960 --> 10:13.040 Is there any more room in the main tent? 10:13.040 --> 10:15.040 No, ma'am, not an inch. 10:15.040 --> 10:19.120 Use my tent then and send word to headquarters we must have more dressings, more medicine, 10:19.120 --> 10:20.120 more ether. 10:20.120 --> 10:21.120 Yes, ma'am. 10:21.120 --> 10:22.120 Tell them we've got to have help up here. 10:22.120 --> 10:23.120 What about the rest of the men? 10:23.120 --> 10:24.120 We're evacuating this position. 10:24.120 --> 10:25.120 All able men get up and get moving. 10:25.120 --> 10:26.120 Dr. Walker, pack up and get. 10:26.120 --> 10:27.120 We can't move these men. 10:27.120 --> 10:28.120 Well, then we'll have to leave them. 10:28.120 --> 10:29.120 Leave them? 10:29.120 --> 10:30.120 That's orders. 10:30.120 --> 10:31.120 I won't obey such orders. 10:31.120 --> 10:32.120 It's inhuman. 10:32.120 --> 10:33.120 Ma'am, I haven't time to argue. 10:33.120 --> 10:34.120 Now move out. 10:34.120 --> 10:35.120 I'll not do that. 10:35.120 --> 10:36.120 Did you hear me? 10:36.120 --> 10:37.120 I said it was orders. 10:37.120 --> 10:38.120 I won't leave my men. 10:38.120 --> 10:39.120 All men but litter cases, fall in and start moving. 10:39.120 --> 10:40.120 Dr. Walker, you're ordered to fall into ranks. 10:40.120 --> 10:41.120 I have over 20 men who can't be moved. 10:41.120 --> 10:42.120 We can't leave them without proper orders. 10:42.120 --> 10:43.120 I'm not going to leave them without orders. 10:43.120 --> 10:44.120 I'm not going to leave them without orders. 10:44.120 --> 10:45.120 I'm not going to leave them without orders. 10:45.120 --> 11:06.920 I'm not going to leave them without orders. 11:06.920 --> 11:09.920 What will they do to us, ma'am? What will they do when they come? 11:09.920 --> 11:12.920 Nothing, they'll be treated as prisoners of war. 11:12.920 --> 11:14.920 It's the bayonet for us, I'll look what they do. 11:14.920 --> 11:18.920 No, now it isn't true. Please, everyone, lie quietly. 11:18.920 --> 11:20.920 Try to be calm. 11:20.920 --> 11:22.920 Here they come. Here they come. 11:22.920 --> 11:25.920 Be quiet, please. 11:25.920 --> 11:27.920 Who's in charge here? 11:27.920 --> 11:28.920 I am. 11:28.920 --> 11:30.920 You're all my prisoners, I... 11:30.920 --> 11:32.920 You. 11:32.920 --> 11:34.920 You said you were in charge here. 11:34.920 --> 11:36.920 Yes, I'm Dr. Walker. 11:36.920 --> 11:37.920 A woman. 11:37.920 --> 11:39.920 That's right. 11:39.920 --> 11:42.920 Well, I'll be bushwhacked. 11:42.920 --> 11:44.920 It is a woman. 11:44.920 --> 11:46.920 You hold a regular commission in the Federal Army, ma'am? 11:46.920 --> 11:48.920 Why, no, not exactly, but I... 11:48.920 --> 11:50.920 And yet you're in Federal uniform. 11:50.920 --> 11:53.920 I'm sorry, ma'am, but I've got no choice. 11:53.920 --> 12:05.920 You're under arrest as a spy. 12:05.920 --> 12:10.920 Dr. Mary Walker, of the specification, charge one, 12:10.920 --> 12:14.920 that you were found lurking as a spy in and about the fortifications 12:14.920 --> 12:16.920 of the Confederate States of America 12:16.920 --> 12:19.920 in an attempt to insinuate yourself among the troops 12:19.920 --> 12:21.920 for the purpose of the war. 12:21.920 --> 12:23.920 That you were found to be among the troops 12:23.920 --> 12:25.920 for the purpose of collecting information 12:25.920 --> 12:28.920 with regard to their numbers and resources. 12:28.920 --> 12:30.920 And that you contrived to achieve this purpose 12:30.920 --> 12:34.920 by disguising yourself by a change of dress. 12:34.920 --> 12:37.920 This court finds you guilty. 12:37.920 --> 12:40.920 Dr. Mary Walker, the sentence of this court 12:40.920 --> 12:42.920 is that you shall suffer death 12:42.920 --> 13:04.920 according to the law and usage of nations. 13:04.920 --> 13:06.920 And now we return to our cavalcade story, 13:06.920 --> 13:08.920 A Medal for Miss Walker, 13:08.920 --> 13:22.920 starring Dorothy McGuire as Dr. Mary Walker. 13:22.920 --> 13:24.920 Refusing to leave her badly wounded patients 13:24.920 --> 13:26.920 in the face of an attack by the Confederate forces 13:26.920 --> 13:28.920 before Chattanooga, Dr. Mary Walker, 13:28.920 --> 13:30.920 a contract surgeon attached to the Union Army, 13:30.920 --> 13:32.920 has been taken prisoner. 13:32.920 --> 13:35.920 Because she was found in the uniform of a Union officer, 13:35.920 --> 13:37.920 she has been tried by court martial 13:37.920 --> 13:40.920 and condemned to death as a spy. 13:40.920 --> 13:42.920 It's a few days later now 13:42.920 --> 13:44.920 in the headquarters of General Braxton Bragg, 13:44.920 --> 13:46.920 commander of the Confederate forces. 13:46.920 --> 13:48.920 I am very distressed, Colonel, 13:48.920 --> 13:50.920 very much distressed by this whole distasteful situation. 13:50.920 --> 13:52.920 The court martial had no choice 13:52.920 --> 13:54.920 but to declare Dr. Walker guilty, General. 13:54.920 --> 13:56.920 She was found wearing the Federal uniform. 13:56.920 --> 13:58.920 She does not hold a regular commission. 13:58.920 --> 13:59.920 I know all that. 13:59.920 --> 14:01.920 She must have some reason I've sent for her. 14:01.920 --> 14:02.920 For the prisoner? 14:02.920 --> 14:04.920 Isn't that a bit unusual, sir? 14:04.920 --> 14:06.920 Ordering a woman to be shot as a trifle unusual too, Colonel. 14:06.920 --> 14:08.920 She must be unusual and extremely unpleasant. 14:08.920 --> 14:09.920 Yes, sir. 14:09.920 --> 14:11.920 If her explanation is satisfactory, as I trust it will be, 14:11.920 --> 14:13.920 we'll send her back bag in baggage 14:13.920 --> 14:14.920 and be finished with the affair. 14:14.920 --> 14:15.920 As you wish, sir. 14:15.920 --> 14:16.920 You are exactly right, Colonel. 14:16.920 --> 14:18.920 That is precisely what I wish. 14:18.920 --> 14:20.920 Oh! Oh! 14:20.920 --> 14:21.920 She's here now. Bring her in. 14:21.920 --> 14:22.920 Yes, sir. 14:22.920 --> 14:24.920 And I do not want a sobbing woman on my hands, Colonel. 14:24.920 --> 14:25.920 Let us make this interview short. 14:25.920 --> 14:27.920 Yes, sir. 14:27.920 --> 14:29.920 In here, please, Dr. Walker. 14:29.920 --> 14:30.920 General Bragg, the prisoner. 14:30.920 --> 14:32.920 Ah, yes, Dr. Walker. 14:32.920 --> 14:34.920 General Bragg, I've always had the highest esteem 14:34.920 --> 14:37.920 for the exalted Southern virtue of honorable conduct. 14:37.920 --> 14:38.920 Madam. 14:38.920 --> 14:40.920 I can see now that I was completely mistaken. 14:40.920 --> 14:42.920 Now, now, Doctor, if you'll just tell me exactly what... 14:42.920 --> 14:44.920 I'll tell you nothing until you tell me something. 14:44.920 --> 14:46.920 What has happened to my men? 14:46.920 --> 14:47.920 Your men? 14:47.920 --> 14:48.920 My patients. What's happened to them? 14:48.920 --> 14:50.920 Colonel, they're in the prisoners' compound, sir. 14:50.920 --> 14:53.920 And how long do you think they'll live without medical care? 14:53.920 --> 14:57.920 General Bragg, I demand the right to stay with my patients 14:57.920 --> 14:59.920 until they can be transferred to a hospital. 14:59.920 --> 15:00.920 That is impossible. 15:00.920 --> 15:01.920 Why? 15:01.920 --> 15:03.920 Because you are not a legitimate prisoner of war. 15:03.920 --> 15:06.920 Now, let us forget that and go on to a far more serious matter. 15:06.920 --> 15:07.920 You have been condemned as a spy. 15:07.920 --> 15:08.920 What are you to say about that? 15:08.920 --> 15:10.920 What can I say? 15:10.920 --> 15:13.920 If my wearing of federal uniform makes me out a spy, 15:13.920 --> 15:14.920 then I am a spy. 15:14.920 --> 15:17.920 No doubt there's the result of some emergency. 15:17.920 --> 15:20.920 Your own clothes were ripped and torn during the battle. 15:20.920 --> 15:21.920 Isn't that it? 15:21.920 --> 15:23.920 No, sir. It was not it. 15:23.920 --> 15:25.920 I wore that uniform deliberately, 15:25.920 --> 15:27.920 and I was proud to wear it. 15:27.920 --> 15:28.920 But you were not entitled to wear it. 15:28.920 --> 15:29.920 You have no commission. 15:29.920 --> 15:32.920 The only reason I don't have a commission is because of my sex. 15:32.920 --> 15:35.920 And I consider that reason invalid and immaterial. 15:35.920 --> 15:36.920 Yes, yes. 15:36.920 --> 15:39.920 Well, that is a call I suggest you take up with General Grant. 15:39.920 --> 15:40.920 I'll make you out of pass. 15:40.920 --> 15:41.920 That'll get you through our lines. 15:41.920 --> 15:42.920 You're sending me back? 15:42.920 --> 15:43.920 I am. 15:43.920 --> 15:44.920 As a civilian? 15:44.920 --> 15:45.920 Of course. 15:45.920 --> 15:46.920 I refuse to go. 15:46.920 --> 15:47.920 What? 15:47.920 --> 15:50.920 I demand to be treated as a legitimate prisoner of war. 15:50.920 --> 15:52.920 Madam, are you out of your mind? 15:52.920 --> 15:53.920 Not at all. 15:53.920 --> 15:55.920 Either you treat me as a prisoner of war 15:55.920 --> 15:57.920 and permit me to go back to my patients, 15:57.920 --> 16:00.920 or you can treat me as a spy and shoot me. 16:00.920 --> 16:02.920 But that is a ridiculous alternative. 16:02.920 --> 16:03.920 One way or the other. 16:03.920 --> 16:04.920 Madam, I am busy fighting a war. 16:04.920 --> 16:06.920 I can't get involved in your attempt to wangle a commission 16:06.920 --> 16:07.920 out of the Federal Army. 16:07.920 --> 16:09.920 I will not go back as a civilian. 16:09.920 --> 16:11.920 That's the only way I can send you back. 16:11.920 --> 16:12.920 I refuse to go. 16:12.920 --> 16:13.920 Blast it, Madam. 16:13.920 --> 16:16.920 Infectives will get you nowhere, General. 16:16.920 --> 16:20.920 Pearl, get this woman out of here. 16:20.920 --> 16:21.920 Take her to Richmond. 16:21.920 --> 16:37.920 Take her to President Davis, if necessary. 16:37.920 --> 16:39.920 May I come in, Dr. Walker? 16:39.920 --> 16:41.920 Rather unusual for the warden to waste 16:41.920 --> 16:43.920 amenities on his prisoner, Mr. Priestley. 16:43.920 --> 16:47.920 Why, yes, but I'm not the usual type of warden, 16:47.920 --> 16:50.920 and you're not the usual type of prisoner. 16:50.920 --> 16:52.920 How nice of you to say that. 16:52.920 --> 16:54.920 You have a visitor, Doctor, most important. 16:54.920 --> 16:55.920 Really? 16:55.920 --> 16:56.920 Mr. Walton. 16:56.920 --> 16:58.920 Joseph Walton. 16:58.920 --> 17:00.920 Very close to President Davis. 17:00.920 --> 17:02.920 Well, I should be very happy to meet him. 17:02.920 --> 17:03.920 Yes. 17:03.920 --> 17:06.920 Won't you come in, Mr. Walton? 17:06.920 --> 17:09.920 Dr. Walker, Mr. Walton. 17:09.920 --> 17:10.920 How do you do, sir? 17:10.920 --> 17:12.920 A great pleasure, Madam. 17:12.920 --> 17:14.920 If you want me, I'll be right out in the car. 17:14.920 --> 17:15.920 Thank you. 17:15.920 --> 17:17.920 I should like to offer you a chair, 17:17.920 --> 17:20.920 but as you can see, sir, these accommodations 17:20.920 --> 17:22.920 are not exactly the best. 17:22.920 --> 17:24.920 Well, Castle Thunder is not noted 17:24.920 --> 17:26.920 for its lush appointments. 17:26.920 --> 17:29.920 I'm very proud to meet you, Dr. Walker. 17:29.920 --> 17:31.920 As you probably know, you've become 17:31.920 --> 17:33.920 a rather celebrated personality. 17:33.920 --> 17:34.920 Oh, is that so? 17:34.920 --> 17:35.920 Oh, yes. 17:35.920 --> 17:37.920 The story of your bravery in refusing to leave 17:37.920 --> 17:39.920 the wounded on the battlefield of Chattanooga 17:39.920 --> 17:42.920 is an international sensation. 17:42.920 --> 17:44.920 You're quite a heroine, you know. 17:44.920 --> 17:45.920 No, I didn't know. 17:45.920 --> 17:48.920 I don't feel heroic. 17:48.920 --> 17:50.920 I'm merely a physician seeking to live up 17:50.920 --> 17:52.920 to an oath I took many years ago, 17:52.920 --> 17:55.920 and one for which I've labored very hard 17:55.920 --> 17:56.920 and very long. 17:56.920 --> 17:58.920 I'm sure of that. 17:58.920 --> 18:00.920 I want to be with my patients. 18:00.920 --> 18:02.920 May I go with them? 18:02.920 --> 18:06.920 Uh, no, no, that's not possible. 18:06.920 --> 18:09.920 However, President Davis has reversed 18:09.920 --> 18:11.920 the decision of the court-martial. 18:11.920 --> 18:13.920 He has asked me to convey to you 18:13.920 --> 18:17.920 the good news that you will be released at once. 18:17.920 --> 18:20.920 Please be good enough to convey my thanks 18:20.920 --> 18:23.920 to President Davis for his kindness. 18:23.920 --> 18:26.920 But tell him I will not leave this prison 18:26.920 --> 18:29.920 unless I can go to my patients and remain with them 18:29.920 --> 18:31.920 until, in my professional opinion, 18:31.920 --> 18:32.920 they no longer need medical care. 18:32.920 --> 18:33.920 But, ma-ma'am, I... 18:33.920 --> 18:34.920 Doctor! 18:34.920 --> 18:36.920 Doctor, I can't go back to the president 18:36.920 --> 18:38.920 and tell him you refused to be released. 18:38.920 --> 18:40.920 But I do refuse. 18:40.920 --> 18:43.920 I flatly refuse. 18:50.920 --> 18:52.920 Priestley, we've got to have an end to this. 18:52.920 --> 18:54.920 The president is furious. 18:54.920 --> 18:55.920 The newspapers around the world 18:55.920 --> 18:58.920 have made a cause celebrity out of this Walker case. 18:58.920 --> 19:01.920 Enormous pressures are being brought to bear on the president. 19:01.920 --> 19:04.920 We must get him out of this embarrassing position. 19:04.920 --> 19:06.920 Why, yes, yes, I understand, Mr. Wharton, 19:06.920 --> 19:09.920 but, uh, what do you want me to do? 19:09.920 --> 19:11.920 You're the Wharton here. 19:11.920 --> 19:16.920 Now, uh, now suppose you left her cell door open. 19:16.920 --> 19:19.920 After all, if she escapes, 19:19.920 --> 19:22.920 that's the right of any prisoner of war now, isn't it? 19:22.920 --> 19:26.920 Why, yes, yes, of course. 19:26.920 --> 19:28.920 Do it. 19:32.920 --> 19:36.920 Well, uh, good night, Dr. Walker. 19:36.920 --> 19:39.920 Good night, Mr. Priestley. 19:42.920 --> 19:45.920 Oh, dear me, dear me. 19:45.920 --> 19:49.920 These old locks, they never work very well, you know. 19:49.920 --> 19:50.920 Oh? 19:50.920 --> 19:54.920 Oh, well, I suppose I'll have to leave it open. 19:54.920 --> 19:56.920 Good night, Doctor. 19:56.920 --> 19:58.920 Good night. 20:02.920 --> 20:04.920 Well, Wharton, you left her cell door open? 20:04.920 --> 20:06.920 Yes, just as you said. 20:06.920 --> 20:07.920 And what happened? 20:07.920 --> 20:10.920 She shut it. She said it created a draft. 20:17.920 --> 20:20.920 Halt! Halt! 20:21.920 --> 20:23.920 Who's there? 20:23.920 --> 20:27.920 I am Joseph Wharton, personal representative of President Davis. 20:27.920 --> 20:28.920 Your credentials, please. 20:28.920 --> 20:30.920 Right here. 20:31.920 --> 20:33.920 Very well, sir, you may pass. 20:33.920 --> 20:35.920 Where will I find Colonel Marsh? 20:35.920 --> 20:37.920 This is his tent here, sir. I'll fetch him for you. 20:37.920 --> 20:39.920 Thank you. 20:39.920 --> 20:41.920 Colonel Marsh says that Mr. Wharton is... 20:41.920 --> 20:44.920 Oh, yes, yes. 20:44.920 --> 20:47.920 Well, Mr. Wharton, a pleasant surprise. 20:47.920 --> 20:48.920 How are you, Colonel? 20:48.920 --> 20:50.920 May I help you out, Doctor? 20:50.920 --> 20:52.920 Thank you, Mr. Wharton. 20:52.920 --> 20:55.920 Well, I'll be a Walker woman. 20:55.920 --> 20:56.920 Dr. Walker, Colonel. 20:56.920 --> 20:59.920 Oh, yes, of course, Dr. Walker. 20:59.920 --> 21:00.920 Colonel Marsh? 21:00.920 --> 21:02.920 By order of the prison, Colonel, 21:02.920 --> 21:05.920 I am turning over Dr. Mary Walker to your custody. 21:05.920 --> 21:06.920 My custody? 21:06.920 --> 21:09.920 She will be treated as a legitimate prisoner of war. 21:09.920 --> 21:13.920 Draw the pay and enjoy all privileges set down by the usages of war. 21:13.920 --> 21:15.920 Yes, sir. 21:15.920 --> 21:19.920 Dr. Walker, I never believed I'd see the day 21:19.920 --> 21:22.920 when I would congratulate a Yankee on a victory. 21:22.920 --> 21:24.920 But this is such a day. 21:24.920 --> 21:26.920 You have what you want. Your patience. 21:26.920 --> 21:28.920 Thank you. 21:28.920 --> 21:30.920 Colonel Marsh, where are my men? 21:30.920 --> 21:32.920 In the compound, Yonder. 21:32.920 --> 21:34.920 That... that mud hole? 21:34.920 --> 21:37.920 I'm sorry if our accommodations don't meet with your approval. 21:37.920 --> 21:39.920 I want a detail of men to clean that place up. 21:39.920 --> 21:40.920 A detail? 21:40.920 --> 21:42.920 Soap, clean linen, blankets... 21:42.920 --> 21:43.920 Now, see, here we... 21:43.920 --> 21:44.920 Dressing, medicine, and isolation tents. 21:44.920 --> 21:45.920 But... 21:45.920 --> 21:46.920 Colonel Marsh, you heard the doctor? 21:46.920 --> 21:47.920 What this is? 21:47.920 --> 21:50.920 See that your prisoner's orders are obeyed. 21:50.920 --> 21:52.920 You sent for me, General Finley? 21:52.920 --> 21:54.920 Oh, yes, yes, Dr. Green, come in. 21:54.920 --> 21:56.920 I think I owe you an apology, sir. 21:56.920 --> 21:57.920 An apology? 21:57.920 --> 21:59.920 Your Dr. Walker. 21:59.920 --> 22:02.920 She's proved herself more than able to hold down a man's job. 22:02.920 --> 22:04.920 And now I've got good news for you. 22:04.920 --> 22:05.920 She's coming home. 22:05.920 --> 22:06.920 Coming home? 22:06.920 --> 22:07.920 Yep. 22:07.920 --> 22:09.920 She's got her patients on the road to recovery. 22:09.920 --> 22:12.920 And now the Confederates have informed us that she's eligible for a job. 22:12.920 --> 22:14.920 And now I've got good news for you. 22:14.920 --> 22:15.920 She's coming home. 22:15.920 --> 22:16.920 Coming home? 22:16.920 --> 22:17.920 Yep. 22:17.920 --> 22:19.920 She's got her patients on the road to recovery. 22:19.920 --> 22:22.920 And now the Confederates have informed us that she's eligible for exchange. 22:22.920 --> 22:23.920 Of course, we've agreed. 22:23.920 --> 22:24.920 That's wonderful. 22:24.920 --> 22:26.920 I'm putting one over from them, though. 22:26.920 --> 22:27.920 I'll tell you that. 22:27.920 --> 22:28.920 Really? 22:28.920 --> 22:29.920 Certainly, yeah. 22:29.920 --> 22:32.920 They figured we'd exchange her on the basis of rank. 22:32.920 --> 22:34.920 After all, she's only an assistant surgeon. 22:34.920 --> 22:36.920 Rank no higher than lieutenant. 22:36.920 --> 22:37.920 You know what I'm doing? 22:37.920 --> 22:38.920 Watch her. 22:38.920 --> 22:40.920 I'm sending them back a full colonel. 22:40.920 --> 22:51.920 For Mary Walker, that's what I consider a fair exchange. 22:51.920 --> 22:59.920 Oh, Dr. Green, it was very kind of you to come down to the dock just to meet me. 22:59.920 --> 23:00.920 I do appreciate it. 23:00.920 --> 23:02.920 I was happy to. 23:02.920 --> 23:07.920 Oh, getting home isn't really getting home unless there's a friendly pace to see. 23:07.920 --> 23:09.920 How do you feel, Mary? 23:09.920 --> 23:11.920 You look tired and worn. 23:11.920 --> 23:13.920 I'm all right. 23:13.920 --> 23:16.920 Why are we turning into the parade ground? 23:16.920 --> 23:21.920 There's a little matter of business we have to attend to. 23:21.920 --> 23:25.920 Driver, drop in front of that troop of soldiers. 23:25.920 --> 23:26.920 But I don't understand what... 23:26.920 --> 23:29.920 Well, you have to report back to your regiment. 23:29.920 --> 23:31.920 They're stationed here in Washington now. 23:31.920 --> 23:32.920 There's Colonel McCook. 23:32.920 --> 23:34.920 Oh, I'm afraid to see him. 23:34.920 --> 23:38.920 The last time we met, I believe I refused to obey one of his orders. 23:38.920 --> 23:41.920 And no doubt he hasn't forgotten them. 23:41.920 --> 23:46.920 All right, here we are. 23:46.920 --> 23:47.920 My hand, Dr. Walker. 23:47.920 --> 23:48.920 Thank you. 23:48.920 --> 23:54.920 Company, attention! 23:54.920 --> 23:57.920 General Order Number 41664. 23:57.920 --> 24:00.920 By order of the President of the United States, 24:00.920 --> 24:05.920 the Medal of Honor is hereby awarded to Dr. Mary Walker 24:05.920 --> 24:09.920 for heroic service above and beyond the call of duty. 24:09.920 --> 24:16.920 Attest, the Secretary of War. 24:16.920 --> 24:18.920 Congratulations, Doctor. 24:18.920 --> 24:20.920 Thank you, Colonel. 24:20.920 --> 24:36.920 Thank you very much. 24:36.920 --> 24:41.920 Our thanks to Dorothy McGuire and the Cavalcade players for tonight's true story. 24:41.920 --> 24:43.920 Tonight's DuPont Cavalcade was written by Irv Tunick. 24:43.920 --> 24:46.920 Original music was composed by Arden Cornwell, conducted by Donald Borey. 24:46.920 --> 24:49.920 The program was directed by John Zoller. 24:49.920 --> 24:53.920 With our star, Dorothy McGuire, you heard Cameron Prudham as Dr. Green, 24:53.920 --> 24:56.920 Alan Hewitt as Finley, Stots Cotsworth as Marsh, 24:56.920 --> 25:00.920 Ed Begley as Bragg, Arnold Moss as Priestley, and Charles Dingell as Walton. 25:00.920 --> 25:03.920 And this is Cy Harris reminding you to be with us next week 25:03.920 --> 25:13.920 when the DuPont Cavalcade will present Down Break, starring Cornel Wilde. 25:13.920 --> 25:17.920 The DuPont Cavalcade of America came to you from the Velasco Theatre in New York City 25:17.920 --> 25:20.920 and is sponsored by the DuPont Company of Wilmington, Delaware, 25:20.920 --> 25:35.920 makers of better things for better living through chemistry. 25:35.920 --> 25:47.920 Tonight, just for laughs, listen to Red Skelton on NBC.